Unlocking Collections- Researcher and Tour Guide Volunteers

 

Table of objects for the Unlocking Collections tours

Image courtesy of Warwickshire Museum Service

 

Table of objects for the Unlocking Collections tours

Image courtesy of Warwickshire Museum Service

In late spring, the Unlocking Collections team recruited a small group of researcher and tour guide volunteers to join the project. The team was looking for those who had an interest in museum collections and research, who enjoyed engaging with the public and had a desire to uncover new stories.

Induction days

In May, the volunteers attended an induction day at the Museum Collections Centre to find out more about the project, and to meet the project team and fellow volunteers. As part of the induction, the volunteers enjoyed a tour of the museum stores, including viewing some of the objects from the Founding Collection. A second induction day took place at Warwickshire County Record Office, where the volunteers met archival staff for a training session. The volunteers carried out their research here on a regular basis, looking into some of the individuals linked to the Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeological Society (WNHAS) during the 19th century.

In early July, the volunteers and project team convened at the Museum Collections Centre. The volunteers shared an overview of their research, highlighting interesting facts and stories about individuals linked to the WNHAS. The sharing of the research encouraged a great deal of lively discussion with many questions asked.

Coming together again

Between July and early September, the volunteers continued their research before coming together again to share what they had found out.  The volunteers spent the early autumn turning their research into a short series of public tours at the Museum Collections Centre. They showcased their research and highlighted some of the objects that were donated.  The volunteers were able to see how the visitors responded to their research. They will use this feedback when designing the First Museum gallery at Market Hall Museum in Warwick.

It is hoped that further tours will be offered at the Museum Collections Centre in the future, both to share more of the Unlocking Collections research and to showcase more generally, the museum collections.